Product description

Charlie is a freshman. And while he's not the biggest geek in the school, he is by no means popular. Shy, introspective, intelligent beyond his years yet socially awkward, he is a wallflower, caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it. Charlie is attempting to navigate his way through uncharted territory: the world of first dates and mixed tapes, family dramas and new friends; the world of sex, drugs, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show, when all one requires is that perfect song on that perfect drive to feel infinite. But Charlie can't stay on the sideline forever. Standing on the fringes of life offers a unique perspective. But there comes a time to see what it looks like from the dance floor. The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a deeply affecting coming-of-age story that will spirit you back to those wild and poignant roller-coaster days known as growing up.

This review was originally posted on www.threecatsandabook.blogspot.com

I wanted to read this book for a long long time. And when I finally started reading it, I couldn't put it down. Literally. I only stopped reading when I absolutely had to, like when I had to go to uni or to the bathroom. But other than that, I read like a crazy maniac on October 10, 2012.

Although I'm not quite the expert yet on books -I know when I'm enjoying one and when I'm not- I am able to say that this book is very special. We got a special one over here. I feel like this book is already becoming a contemporary classic. Or maybe it already is, I'm not so sure.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky is a collection of letters from Charlie, a 15-year old boy who's pretty awkward around people and super sensitive. He feels all the feels all the time, basically. He sends these letters from August 1991 to August 1992 to an unnamed receiver, which is most likely you (the reader)!

This book is the ultimate coming-of-age story, if you'd ask me. There are so many issues brought up in this book. And I don't want to spoil it for you, but it has your typical problems with drugs and alcohol and sexuality to Juno-like situations and child abuse. It has a lot. In under 250 pages. And surprisingly, it wasn't overwhelming at all.

I gave this book four out of five stars because I really liked, but I feel like it has much more to it than I got out of it. Does that make sense? I feel like I'm going to enjoy this book even more when I'm reading it for the second time. I probably went through it too quickly, I'm afraid. I feel like I've seen a glimpse of the awesomeness and beauty of this book whilst racing through it. And the reason I didn't slow down is the storyline in which so many things are going on. I just wanted to know more and more and more.

What I also really liked was the way in which this book has been written. Charlie is a very unique character and through his letters we get to know him in the best and most honest way. These letters are really written by Charlie and his character can be seen in almost every sentence.

What also made this book special were these little moment of recognition. Please don't judge me when I say that I could totally relate to not only Charlie at some times, but also to his sister, Sam and other characters throughout this book.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a must-read for any teenager. I know I will be giving this book for Christmas to basically everyone I know. No, that's not really true, but I would if I could. My point is, that this book is a very special book and if you haven't read it yet I highly recommend you do.

This was a little bit of a mixed review for me. While the plot and ideas behind the story were great, I found the voice of Charlie incredibly annoying to read. I couldn't associate or empathise with him at all and there were a few moments where I wanted to hit my head against the wall in frustration. It had a few great quotes and a good message but I would not say that it is going to be the new coming of age classic for our generation. While the book raises some important issues about growing up, it will not be my go-to coming of age novel.

Charlie - if that's his real name - is a wallflower, someone who goes by unnoticied. He sends letter to "a friend" about his life and his new friends who show him a different kind of life - a happy one.
I did not know what you expect from this book and it was mind blowing! It's simple yet so beautifully written. The story is completely relatable and entertaining. Even though I missed a little more developing and connection betweens chapters, it is worth it.
Plus, it has a lot of tips on other good books to read ;)